Senate duty to confront Akpabio’s scandal, by Bello Mohammed Abdullahi

In recent years, global movements like #MeToo have underscored the urgency of addressing sexual harassment, particularly within institutions of power. Nigeria, however, continues to grapple with systemic challenges in confronting such allegations, especially when they involve high-ranking officials. The recent sexual harassment allegations against Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, have ignited public discourse on accountability and integrity in governance. This moment demands a robust response from the Nigerian Senate to reaffirm its commitment to justice, gender equality, and ethical leadership.

While specifics of the allegations remain under scrutiny, the mere accusation against a figure of Akpabio’s stature—a key architect of legislative authority—warrants meticulous attention. Sexual harassment, a pervasive issue in Nigeria, often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation, cultural stigma, and institutional apathy. When claims emerge against leaders, they test the resilience of democratic institutions. The Senate must recognize that its handling of this case sets a precedent, signaling whether Nigeria’s political elite are above the law or subject to it.

The Nigerian Senate, as a custodian of public trust, has a dual obligation: to ensure due process for the accused and justice for the accuser. Nigeria’s Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the 1999 Constitution mandate ethical conduct among lawmakers. Yet, historical precedents, such as the mishandling of past misconduct cases, reveal a tendency to prioritize political solidarity over accountability. This case offers the Senate an opportunity to break this cycle by initiating an independent, transparent investigation. Establishing an external committee, free from political influence, would demonstrate impartiality and commitment to the rule of law.

Failure to act decisively risks eroding public confidence and perpetuating a culture of impunity. A 2020 NOIPolls report revealed that 63% of Nigerian women have experienced sexual harassment, often in professional settings. If the Senate trivializes such allegations, it undermines national efforts to combat gender-based violence and discourages victims from coming forward. Moreover, it reinforces the damaging perception that power insulates leaders from accountability, contradicting the Senate’s role as a moral arbiter.

Globally, legislatures have adopted stringent measures to address misconduct. In the U.S., the Congressional Accountability Act mandates independent reviews of harassment claims, while South Africa’s Parliament has suspended members pending investigations. Nigeria’s Senate could emulate these models by institutionalizing clear protocols: establishing an independent ethics commission, protecting whistleblowers, and mandating gender sensitivity training. Collaborating with civil society organizations like the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) could enhance transparency and victim support.

Recommendations
1. Independent Investigation: Commission a non-partisan body to examine the allegations, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
2. Policy Reform: Enact a standalone Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill with stringent penalties and victim protection clauses.
3. Public Accountability: Regularly update citizens on investigative progress to rebuild trust.
4. Cultural Shift: Foster a Senate culture that condemns harassment through workshops and zero-tolerance policies.

The allegations against Senator Akpabio are a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic maturity. The Senate must seize this moment to align with global standards of accountability and gender justice. By prioritizing integrity over impunity, it can transform this challenge into an opportunity to redefine ethical governance. The time to act is now—not just for the dignity of the institution, but for every Nigerian who deserves a legislature that leads by example. As the African proverb goes, “A leader’s head is not a roof for corruption.” The Senate must sit up, lest it becomes complicit in the very injustices it is sworn to eradicate.

_Abdullahi, a Political and Public Affairs Commentator, writes from Kaduna._